Unite The Tribe

See our report from one of cycling’s most unique events, the Yeti Tribe Gathering.

A Gathering of the Tribe

This year marked the 16th edition of Yeti's signature Tribe Gathering. This legendary event allows the crew at Yeti to show their appreciation for the most rabidly loyal of Yeti owners, hundreds of whom make the pilgrimage from all over the world to ride with the creators of their beloved steeds. In order to fully immerse ourselves in the experience, we sent a team of correspondents to this year's Gathering in Crested Butte.

Trail to Tribe

At its core, the Tribe Gathering is about riding, so it seemed fitting to get into the spirit by going for a ride. A big one. Starting in Aspen, our crew headed skyward in search of singletrack and stunning views. Six hours later, we'd found both in abundance, and we were very nearly shattered from the effort. But we had little time to consider our exhaustion. The next day's ride was going to be another big one, and it was approaching fast.

So it begins. All smiles. Brand Manager Garin Fons leads the group up out of Aspen along Aspen Mountain Road.

The climb is serious right from the start. It starts at 7890ft and climbs to 11212ft over 4 miles. Smiles turn to determined grimaces. Maybe we should have started earlier in the day. Maybe we should have taken the Gondola. Maybe we just keep going. Backcountry’s Associate Brand Manager inches over the last few steep feet of Aspen Mountain Road.

The summit. Gearhead Jon Jakupcak takes in the Colorado skyline.

Richmond Hill Road offered our first descent, and some tricky washouts. For every down there’s an up, and there's plenty more to come over the next 8 miles to Taylor Lake.

A brief stop on Richmond Hill Road for lunch and a stretch. Storm clouds gather on the horizon. We can rest here, but not for long.

Gearhead Neal Forbes taking in the view before the descent to Taylor Lake.

It's late July, but snow still covers the peaks all around us.

A bit of wayfinding. Star Pass, our summit point, can be seen in the distance.

One last push to the top of Star Pass.

Arrival.

Jon and Pip, ready to rip.

Heading down from Star Pass. From alpine meadows above tree line, into the forest, in what felt like the blink of an eye.

Relieved to have reached town.

Dinner and much-needed rest were soon to follow.

2017 Tribe Gathering

The Tribe's ranks include a surprising variety of members. A truly global contingent descended on Crested Butte for the opportunity to rub elbows with the Yeti crew, to ride a few of their favorite trails, and to congregate with their fellow Yeti fanatics. The Tribe ride, an exhausting effort that covered 409 and the famed descent of Teocali, may ostensibly be the main draw, but it was the ensuing activities—the bike toss, the barbecue, the dance party—that cemented the bonds between the Tribe's most distant members.

Sarah Uhl working on a large-format painting that was auctioned to support the CMBA trails foundation.

Neal, Garin and Jon enjoying a hard-earned libation.

Proven ride fuel at the base of 409.

Gore rep Liz leads a pack toward the start of Teocalli.

The hills are alive with wildflowers.

The descent of Teocalli is unreal. If you have the chance, consider it highly recommended.

Yeti President Chris Conroy taking a moment post ride to share his impressions of the day.

Confirmed Yeti sighting.

Let the games begin. Sarah on a small bike, going for a big win.

The kids' race.

The bike toss.

Coal Creek Distillery bar.

Cyclists dancing. Chaos reigns.

The 16th annual Yeti Tribe Gathering comes to a close. Our sincere thanks to Yeti for hosting this incredible event, and to the Tribe for welcoming us with open arms. It was a time we'll not soon forget.

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